What is the Acheulean complex?
The Acheulean industrial complex consists of flakes, retouched flakes and, most notably, bifacial tools (Clark, 1994). The earliest sites containing Acheulean technology come from East Africa up to 1.6 myr and terminate 200 to 100 kyr, making this an incredibly long-lasting technological industry (Clark, 1994).
What technological innovation characterizes the Acheulean?
Semaw et al. (8) summarized the Acheulean technology as characterized by (i) the ability to knock off large flakes, (ii) standardization of tool shape and/or technique, and (iii) the ability to flake invasively and shape tools purposefully with predetermination or preconception of form (8).
What was the Acheulean Handaxe used for?
Acheulean stone tools have been found over much of the Old World, from southern Africa to northern Europe and to the Indian sub-continent. Studies of surface-wear patterns reveal hand axes were used to butcher and skin game, dig in soil, and cut wood or other plant materials.
What do you mean by Acheulian?
Definition of Acheulean : of or relating to a Lower Paleolithic culture originating in Africa and typified by bifacial tools with round cutting edges.
When did the Acheulean complex emerge?
The Acheulean (sometimes spelled Acheulian) is a stone tool techno-complex that emerged in East Africa during the Lower Paleolithic about 1.76 million years ago (abbreviated mya), and persisted until 300,000-200,000 years ago (300-200 ka), although in some places it continued as recently as 100 ka.
What came after Acheulean?
In Europe and Western Asia, early Neanderthals adopted Acheulean technology, transitioning to Mousterian by about 160,000 years ago….Acheulean.
| Map of the distribution of Middle Pleistocene (Acheulean) cleaver finds | |
|---|---|
| Geographical range | Africa, Europe, and Asia |
| Preceded by | Oldowan |
| Followed by | Mousterian, Clactonian, Micoquien |
Which stage of evolution is associated with Acheulean tools?
The Chelles-Acheul was associated with the ‘Pithecanthropus stage’ of human evolution [33], while the pre-Chelles-Acheul industrial period was attributed to Australopithecus [34].
How was the Acheulean handaxe made?
Acheulean handaxes were produced by the bifacial reduction of a block or large flake blank around a single, long axis. They have a cutting edge in the secant plane, and range in shape from lanceolate through ovate to orbiculate. Acheulean handaxes from the site of Boxgrove, England, which dates to about 500 Ka.
Who used Acheulean?
In Europe and Western Asia, early Neanderthals adopted Acheulean technology, transitioning to Mousterian by about 160,000 years ago.
What is the difference between Oldowan and Acheulean?
The Oldowan tools were made by chipping flakes off an unmodified core with another stone that acted as a hammer. The Acheulean tools are more complex than the Oldowan tools in that the core was prepared before flaking took place and tools were produced that had bifacial cutting edges.
Who made the Acheulean?
Acheulean handaxes are thought to have been produced by two extinct hominin species, Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis. Fossils assigned to H. erectus have been recovered from sites in East Africa, South Africa, North Africa, the Caucasus, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
What is the Acheulean?
The Acheulean (sometimes spelled Acheulian) is a stone tool techno-complex that emerged in East Africa during the Lower Paleolithic about 1.76 million years ago (abbreviated mya), and persisted until 300,000-200,000 years ago (300-200 ka), although in some places it continued as recently as 100 ka.
What is the Acheulean stone age?
Updated May 30, 2019. The Acheulean (sometimes spelled Acheulian) is a stone tool techno-complex that emerged in East Africa during the Lower Paleolithic about 1.76 million years ago (abbreviated mya), and persisted until 300,000-200,000 years ago (300-200 ka), although in some places it continued as recently as 100 ka.
What is the Acheulian period in Africa?
In Africa the Acheulian follows the Oldowan and spans the period 1.5 million years ago down to 150 000 years ago.
What do stratified sites tell us about evolution within the Acheulian?
Evolution within the Acheulian is noted from stratified sites, as well as from surface collections. Regional variability in raw material usage, site location and hominin behavior is also clear.